The Irish naval service’s specialist diving unit is set to be restructured, given a new facility, and trebled in strength as part of a shift in the service towards maritime security. The section’s existing role in terms of maritime security — including the mapping of critical infrastructure — is set to expand in the coming years as the Defence Forces, including the naval service, refocuses its purpose, and assets, towards defence of the state and maritime security. Naval Service Diving Section officer in charge Lt Jason Croke at Haulbowline in Cork Harbour. See Monday's Irish Examiner (print and online) for Cormac O'Keeffe's analysis of the reforms in the naval service. That plan and a wider Defence Forces capability development plan 2028-2040, expected later in the year, will set out the expansion of the naval service for the next decade and beyond.

Source: Irish Examiner April 05, 2026 19:58 UTC